Families enjoy morning fun as trail is officially opened

SPIRITS were high as kids, parents and canines joined together to christen the newest section of Mackay's Bluewater Trail.

Mackay Regional Council city centre co-ordinator Bernarr Alexander said about 200 people were up early on a Sunday morning to attend the official opening of the trail's section and a Zonta family walk from the River St boat ramp to Bluewater Quay at 8.30am yesterday.

Mr Alexander said he was pleased with the turnout, saying everyone who attended the walk and family day had enjoyed the event.

"Everybody is really getting into it with the free kids activities and Zumba classes; even the parents have enjoyed that," he said.

"We'd like to thank the city centre businesses who got involved, including ID Dezine, Outback Jacks, M'Ladys, Porters and Jamaica Blue."

Mackay Regional Council roads and drainage portfolio councillor Kevin Casey said it was a good morning of free family fun and a chance to check out the new $1.35 million shared pathway.

Paula Thomson, who attended the family event with her daughter Kelsea, said it gave the community a chance to see what the city had to offer.

"It's so much bigger than I expected," she said.

"There are a lot of people just enjoying the weather and everything Mackay has on offer for families."

Zonta's Bridget Mather said all proceeds from the day would be donated to the Mackay Base Hospital for a parenting room.

"We're really pleased with how the event has gone and looking forward to seeing how much money we've raised for the hospital," she said.